Festive Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe That Sparkles Joy

Sweet memories come alive with this delightful christmas gumdrop nougat candy that sparks joy in every bite.

Colorful pieces shimmer like festive jewels across your kitchen counter.

Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with sugary bursts of fruity flavor.

Generations of bakers have cherished this simple yet magical treat from grandma’s classic cookbook.

Festive colors and playful shapes make these candies irresistible for holiday gatherings.

Delicate morsels promise a delectable adventure that will charm everyone at your celebration.

Whip up this nostalgic confection and watch smiles light up the room.

Storage Guidelines for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer nougat pieces to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, maintaining their fresh texture and flavor.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual nougat pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring optimal taste and quality when stored properly.
• Room Temperature Holding: Store in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container with parchment paper separating layers. Consume within 3-4 days to prevent texture changes or potential spoilage.
• Thawing Method: Remove frozen nougat from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting or texture destruction.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of gumdrops?

Yes, you can experiment with various flavors and colors of gumdrops. Mix and match to create a colorful and personalized candy.

• Do I need special equipment to make this nougat?

No, you just need a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), a baking dish, and basic kitchen tools like a spatula and knife.

• How do I prevent the mixture from burning?

Use the double boiler method and stir continuously. This technique ensures gentle, even heating and prevents scorching of ingredients.

• Can children help make this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids can help chop gumdrops and stir the mixture, but adults should handle the melting process to ensure safety.

Festive Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Savor Holiday Magic: Capture Christmas Cheer

• Create Festive Memories: Craft a delightful candy that instantly brings warmth and joy to holiday gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a celebratory treat everyone will adore.
• Master Quick Candy Crafting: Design a no-bake recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal cooking techniques and delivering professional-looking results with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Customize Colorful Delight: Personalize the nougat by selecting gumdrops in various vibrant colors, making each batch unique and visually stunning for kids and adults alike.
• Stress-Free Holiday Dessert: Prepare a make-ahead sweet that can be refrigerated in advance, reducing kitchen stress during busy celebration times and ensuring a delicious homemade treat is always ready.

Ingredients for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

• White Chocolate Chips: A sweet and creamy base that provides the primary flavor and smooth texture for the nougat.
• Mini Marshmallows: These fluffy treats help create a soft, chewy consistency in the candy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, meltable mixture for the nougat.

• Gumdrops: Colorful and sweet candies that provide bursts of fruity flavor and chewy texture throughout the nougat.

• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps in easy removal and prevents the nougat from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Prepare Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely. This will help you easily remove the nougat later.

Step 2: Chop Gumdrops

Slice the gumdrops in half, creating smaller, more manageable pieces that will be distributed throughout the nougat.

Step 3: Create Melting Station

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with gently simmering water.

The bowl should not touch the water directly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Melt Ingredients

• Butter
• White chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows

Stir the mixture continuously until everything melts into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Cool Mixture

Remove the bowl from heat and let the mixture cool for about two minutes. This prevents the gumdrops from completely melting when added.

Step 6: Fold in Gumdrops

Gently stir the chopped gumdrops into the melted mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Transfer to Pan

Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Use a piece of greased parchment paper to help spread and smooth the mixture evenly.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the nougat for at least two hours, or ideally overnight, to allow it to firm up completely.

Step 9: Cut into Pieces

Remove the nougat from the refrigerator and slice into 60 bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 10: Store Carefully

Place the nougat pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 11: Enjoy Your Treat

Your homemade Christmas gumdrop nougat is ready to be savored and shared with friends and family!

Tips for Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

• Gently halve gumdrops to maintain their vibrant shape and prevent crushing during mixing.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, richer flavor and better melting consistency.
• Create a makeshift double boiler by ensuring water never touches the bottom of the bowl to prevent scorching ingredients.
• Stir mixture constantly to achieve uniform texture and prevent uneven melting of chocolate and marshmallows.
• Line pan with parchment paper hanging over edges for easier removal and clean cutting of nougat pieces.

Variations to Try on Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

• Fruity Festive Flair: Replace traditional gumdrops with dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for a festive, tangy version that adds vibrant color and nutty crunch.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate and incorporate cocoa powder for an intense, rich chocolate nougat experience.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Treat: Use gluten-free marshmallows and white chocolate chips to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Vegan Winter Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan marshmallows, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips to craft a plant-based nougat that everyone can enjoy.

Suggested Pairings with Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

• Pair the sweet Christmas Gumdrop Nougat with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, as their bold tannins beautifully balance the candy's sugary profile.
• Serve alongside warm spiced apple cider, which echoes the festive notes and provides a comforting seasonal counterpoint to the nougat's richness.
• Create a dessert platter featuring dark chocolate truffles and toasted nuts to enhance the candy's texture and provide sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Include a light, crisp champagne or prosecco to cut through the sweetness and cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent nougat.

Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas gumdrop nougat candy brings holiday cheer with sweet nostalgia. Chewy gumdrops nestled in smooth nougat create a delightful treat you’ll savor during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 packages (225 g/8 oz) white chocolate chips
• 2 packages (250 g/9 oz) mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups red and green gumdrops (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it completely with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage of bottom and sides.
2. Cut gumdrops into halves, setting them aside for later incorporation into the candy mixture.
3. Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with gently simmering water, maintaining low heat around 200°F.
4. Melt butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows in the double boiler, stirring consistently until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Remove the melted mixture from heat and allow it to cool for approximately 2 minutes, preventing potential burning or separation.
6. Gently fold the halved gumdrops into the cooled mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the nougat base.
7. Transfer the sticky nougat into the prepared pan, using a greased parchment paper to help spread and flatten the mixture evenly.
8. Refrigerate the nougat for 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve a firm and stable consistency.
9. Once completely set, slice the nougat into 60 small, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
10. Arrange the candy pieces in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent adhesion.
11. Serve and enjoy the festive Christmas gumdrop nougat candy at room temperature.

Notes

• Opt for silicone baking mats as an alternative to parchment paper for easier release and cleanup.
• Select brightly colored gumdrops to create a festive, visually appealing candy that captures holiday cheer.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk or dark chocolate to customize the flavor profile and suit personal preferences.
• Keep the nougat refrigerated to maintain its texture and prevent melting, especially during warmer temperatures.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg